The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows President Obama attracting support from 46% of voters nationwide, while Mitt Romney earns 45% of the vote. Four percent (4%) prefer some other candidate, and five percent (5%) are undecided.
The president received a modest convention bounce, but that's now gone. On the day the conventions began, Obama was up by two points. Now the numbers are essentially back to that starting point with the president leading by a point. See daily tracking history.
When “leaners” are included, it’s Romney 48% and Obama 47%. Leaners are those who initially indicate no preference for either candidate but express a preference for one of them in a follow-up question.
This is going to be one tight race, no one should doubt that. All these polls are wonderful indicators of nothing....when it's this close, the poll numbers fly out the window.
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
You obviously didn't read the article.... Romney used comments made prior to the embassy attacks in the Middle East and prior to the Libyan Embassy attack, and spun them as Obama's reply to the attacks. So who's doing the bob and weave now dog? Trying reading next time. Or GOOGLE it...it's all over the web. Collar a little tight?
Romney released the statement after the Cairo embassy attack, AFTER the embassy released their condemnation preaching religious tolerance and blaming the violence on a movie. Now, my understanding the U.S. embassies are still part of the federal government. More specifically, the State Department. That's what GOOGLE tells me anyways. Maybe in your democrat wonderland, you would like to convince people that the embassies are not part of the federal government.
Are you trying to say that the Obama Administration's State Department isn't the official statement of the U.S. government? Are you kidding me? Hillary Clinton should resign in disgrace for allowing that condemnation of religious tolerance to be released. Then after the embarrassment, the State Department had the original condemnation removed from the tweet. The Obama Administration is showing pure INCOMPETENCE. Just wait until Romney starts hammering this point home. Obama's gonna have trouble turning this one around without some high level resignations. Obama is actually trying to distance himself from the official statement from his own state department. TOO FUNNY!!!
Jobxr, stop just reading and regurgitating democrat propaganda. You can try all you want. But they are going to hang this tragic blunder around Obama's neck like an albatross. Obama will have to be Houdini to get out of this one.
This is going to be one tight race, no one should doubt that. All these polls are wonderful indicators of nothing....when it's this close, the poll numbers fly out the window.
These pollsters have become a money making JOKE that is driven by the lame stream media!!!
The lame stream media not only wants this fight between conservative and liberals, they need it!!!! They sponsor the polls and the polls say what they want them to say.
Polls are like the lame stream media.........they are all bullsh!t and can't be trusted!!!!!!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
#1) I don't believe for a moment that the US Embassy in Egypt issued a statement wiithout clearance from the highest possible level -- by which I mean BOTH the US Secretary of State's Office and the White House itself.
#2) I agree 100% with Governor Romney that the United States should NEVER apologize for our Constitutional rights of Free Speech nor should we apologize when US soil has been invaded/attacked --- and to make sure that everyone understands -- US Embassy buildings and grounds are considered US soil under International Law (just as foreign embassies in our country our considered the soil of the nation it represents).
#3) I find it despicable and unforgivable that an American president would not cancel a fundraising trip in the aftermath of the assault on two US Embassies and the assassinations of an American ambassador and 3 fellow Americans.
#4) I find disgusting that Mr. Obama couldn't muster or at least feign a tone of anger and firmness in his verbal statements which came way too many hours after the actual attacks and assassinations. Mr. Obama has shown more emotion when attacking Americans who are conservative, own guns and/or are people of faith who disagree with one or more of his ideological positions.
I applaud Governor Romney's strong, sensible and necessary statements in the wake of the attack on two of our embassies and the assassinations of 4 of our fellow Americans. I anxiously await the day that he becomes our Commander-In-Chief. It can't come soon enough.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
Romney released the statement after the Cairo embassy attack, AFTER the embassy released their condemnation preaching religious tolerance and blaming the violence on a movie. Now, my understanding the U.S. embassies are still part of the federal government. More specifically, the State Department. That's what GOOGLE tells me anyways. Maybe in your democrat wonderland, you would like to convince people that the embassies are not part of the federal government.
Are you trying to say that the Obama Administration's State Department isn't the official statement of the U.S. government? Are you kidding me? Hillary Clinton should resign in disgrace for allowing that condemnation of religious tolerance to be released. Then after the embarrassment, the State Department had the original condemnation removed from the tweet. The Obama Administration is showing pure INCOMPETENCE. Just wait until Romney starts hammering this point home. Obama's gonna have trouble turning this one around without some high level resignations. Obama is actually trying to distance himself from the official statement from his own state department. TOO FUNNY!!!
Jobxr, stop just reading and regurgitating democrat propaganda. You can try all you want. But they are going to hang this tragic blunder around Obama's neck like an albatross. Obama will have to be Houdini to get out of this one.
BWAHHHHAAAAHHHHAAAAA...THERE HE IS. Cic, you are good...but IT DON'T FLY DOG.....read the articles again. You just admire the way Mitt-dog does the spin doctor thing...he be ur EYEDOLL
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
For the critically thinking impaired like joebx, I will take the time to post the chronological timeline of events.
What They Said, Before and After the Consulate Attack Statements made by President Obama, Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate, and American officials preceding and following the attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
Quoted Text
Tuesday, about 6 a.m., before the attack in Benghazi (all times Eastern) Statement From the U.S. Embassy in Cairo
The embassy released this statement, apparently referring to a provocative anti-Islam video, in an effort to cool tensions in the area. The statement came before protests on the American embassy in Cairo and the attack on the consulate in Benghazi. The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others. Original Statement »
The attack in Benghazi occurred in the evening on Tuesday, Libya time — about midafternoon on the East Coast(between 12p and 4p I would say) in the United States.
Quoted Text
Tuesday, about 6:30 p.m. In Twitter Message, U.S. Embassy Stands by Statement
The American embassy in Cairo sends a message on Twitter that it "still stands" by their initial statement. The message was later deleted. This morning's condemnation (issued before protest began) still stands. As does our condemnation of unjustified breach of the Embassy
Quoted Text
Archive of Tweets » Tuesday, 10:08 p.m. Clinton Confirms Death of One American in Libya
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton initially announced that one American had been killed in the attack on the consulate in Libya. I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on our mission in Benghazi today. As we work to secure our personnel and facilities, we have confirmed that one of our State Department officers was killed. We are heartbroken by this terrible loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who have suffered in this attack.
This evening, I called Libyan President Magariaf to coordinate additional support to protect Americans in Libya. President Magariaf expressed his condemnation and condolences and pledged his government’s full cooperation.
Some have sought to justify this vicious behavior as a response to inflammatory material posted on the Internet. The United States deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind.
In light of the events of today, the United States government is working with partner countries around the world to protect our personnel, our missions, and American citizens worldwide.
Politico cites an "administration official", who said: The statement by Embassy Cairo was not cleared by Washington and does not reflect the views of the United States government. Politico Story »
Romney's comment, apparently referring to the embassy statement, was sent to The New York Times about 10:10 p.m., originally embargoed until midnight. The embargo was lifted at 10:24 p.m. I'm outraged by the attacks on American diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt and by the death of an American consulate worker in Benghazi. It's disgraceful that the Obama administration's first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.
Quoted Text
Wednesday, 12:09 a.m. Obama Spokesman Responds to Romney's Statement
Statement from Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, in an email to reporters. We are shocked that, at a time when the United States of America isconfronting the tragic death of one of our diplomatic officers in Libya,Governor Romney would choose to launch a political attack.
As you can see, the State Department "stood by" the original condemnation of the protesters that took down and burned the American Flag at the Cairo embassy - AT 6:30 PM, 12 hours after the original statement and after the protesters took down the American flag. THEN, the State Department took down the condemnation they first "stood by", and then the the Obama Administration DISAVOWS the official condemnation released by HIS OWN STATE DEPARTMENT saying it did not reflect the U.S. government's views. Why did Obama Administration disavow the State Department's condemnation?
And to top it all off...The condemnations BLAMED a U.S. low budget film maker to excuse the actions of the Cairo protesters.
You can attack Romney for combining Libya and Egypt in his release responding to the Cairo embassy condemnation. But how can you make excuses for the cluster-f*** the Obama Administration turned it into by first "standing by", then removing the tweet, then "disavowing"?
As you can see, the State Department "stood by" the original condemnation of the protesters that took down and burned the American Flag at the Cairo embassy - AT 6:30 PM, 12 hours after the original statement and after the protesters took down the American flag. THEN, the State Department took down the condemnation they first "stood by", and then the the Obama Administration DISAVOWS the official condemnation released by HIS OWN STATE DEPARTMENT saying it did not reflect the U.S. government's views. Why did Obama Administration disavow the State Department's condemnation?
And to top it all off...The condemnations BLAMED a U.S. low budget film maker to excuse the actions of the Cairo protesters.
You can attack Romney for combining Libya and Egypt in his release responding to the Cairo embassy condemnation. But how can you make excuses for the cluster-f*** the Obama Administration turned it into by first "standing by", then removing the tweet, then "disavowing"?
Maybe this is why Obama wants special powers to take over the internet in an emergency ---- this episode proves that the internet is quite powerful at exposing the Obama administration for its lies and incompetence.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
Romney under friendly fire for his response to embassy attack in Libya
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By Holly Bailey, Yahoo! News
Will Mitt Romney's hasty response to the deadly attacks on the American diplomatic missions in Egypt and Libya go down as the misstep that doomed his campaign to unseat President Barack Obama?
The Republican presidential candidate came under fire from Republicans and Democrats on Wednesday for politicizing the outbreak of deadly violence in the Middle East, including the breaching of the American Embassy in Cairo and an attack on the American Consulate in Libya, which claimed the life of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other diplomatic workers.
Romney released a scathing statement on Tuesday night blasting the Obama administration for its "disgraceful" response to the attacks. The statement was at first embargoed until after midnight in order to avoid publicly criticizing Obama on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks but then was released anyway. In the statement, which came just hours before Stevens was confirmed to be among those killed, Romney suggested the White House had chosen to "sympathize with those who waged the attacks" instead of condemning the attackers.
Romney was referring to a statement issued by the American Embassy in Cairo condemning an obscure anti-Muslim YouTube video that had set off the demonstrations. But the embassy's statement had been an effort to head off the violence—not released after the assaults on American diplomatic missions, as Romney's statement suggested.
Steve Schmidt, who managed John McCain's 2008 campaign, told Yahoo News that Romney's decision to stand behind his initial criticism of Obama could damage his image with voters.
"For people who are running for president, this is a test where people evaluate their mettle as commander in chief, and the Romney campaign put out a statement before the facts were in that politicized the matter and gratuitously attacked the administration for something they did not do," Schmidt said. "The decision to double down on the initial mistake has put them into a potentially very dangerous political situation. During a foreign policy crisis, you can't build a position on a foundation of politics. … The situation remains serious, it's volatile and Romney is appearing to be very political."
The danger for Romney is that his response to the Middle East attacks feeds into a consensus among the news media that his campaign to unseat Obama is in serious trouble. For the fourth time in recent months, prominent conservatives have gone public with fretting over the direction of Romney's campaign—a panic set off most recently by conservative radio host Laura Ingraham's suggestion Monday that if Romney can't beat Obama then the Republican Party should be "shut down." On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal editorial board piled on, suggesting Romney could lose the election because he's been too vague when it comes to explaining his policies.
"Mistakes like this happen when a campaign begins to feel under pressure," Schmidt told Yahoo News. "The Democrats had a more successful convention, the president's opened up a lead in the polls, there's been a lot of criticism by conservative commentators about campaign strategy. … They acted too quickly, too rashly, too politically—looking obviously for a way to change the narrative, the dynamic in the race."
A senior Romney aide, who declined to be named, dismissed the idea that the Republican candidate had been damaged by his response to the attacks in Libya and Egypt. The aide insisted to Yahoo News that the election would likely come down to an "overall referendum" on Obama's performance in office—including on foreign policy and the economy. "'Are you better off than you were four years ago?' is the question that will determine the election," the Romney aide said.
Romney did not back off his criticism of the Obama administration Wednesday at a hastily arranged press conference in Florida. "It's a terrible course for America to stand in apology for our values," Romney told reporters. "It's never too early for the U.S. government to condemn attacks on Americans and defend our values. ... When our grounds are being attacked, being breached, the first response of the United States must be outrage."
It was an uncharacteristically aggressive stance from Romney, who has largely kept his campaign focused on the economy. And it was an offensive that was not matched by Romney's allies on Capitol Hill or within the foreign policy community—many of whom did not respond to requests from Yahoo News to comment on the record about Romney's response.
McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee who has not shied from criticizing Obama on foreign policy issues, did not mention the president in a joint statement with Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut on the attacks—choosing instead to condemn the attackers. Just before Romney took the mic at his press conference, McCain posted a message on Twitter praising a public statement from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying she had adopted the "right message and tone." Asked by Yahoo News whether he agrees with Romney's response, McCain's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who has campaigned with Romney and spoke at the Republican National Convention that nominated Romney for president, also didn't embrace Romney's criticism against Obama—focusing her statement instead on the "tragic loss of life." A spokeswoman for Rice did not respond to a request for comment from Yahoo News about whether Rice agreed with Romney's response.
Romney did have defenders, including Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina—who issued a statement calling Romney's response "absolutely right"—and Weekly Standard editor William Kristol, who penned an op-ed declaring "Romney Is Right."
But their efforts were largely overshadowed by other members of Team Romney who didn't agree with the candidate's response. Former New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu, a top Romney surrogate, told National Journal's Major Garrett that the campaign "probably should have waited" to issue its response. Meanwhile, Tom Ridge, a Romney ally who served as secretary of Homeland Security under former President George W. Bush, disputed Romney's suggestion that Obama was sympathizing with the enemy. "I don't think President Obama sympathizes with those who attacked us," Ridge told the liberal site Think Progress. "I don't think any American does."
And plenty of anonymous Republicans immediately pounced, with one "very senior Republican foreign policy hand" telling BuzzFeed's Ben Smith it was Romney's "Lehman moment"—a reference to McCain's bungling of the looming financial crisis during the 2008 campaign.
Foreign policy has been a tricky issue for Romney. While he has sought to assume the advantage on the issue by playing up Obama's tense relationship with Israel and other American allies, he has come under criticism for his own murky foreign policy stances—including his position on the war in Afghanistan. Romney took an overseas trip in July that was meant to burnish his foreign policy credentials and cast himself as a statesman in the eyes of voters, but it was largely overshadowed by the candidate's verbal miscues. More recently, he came under criticism for failing to mention Afghanistan in his speech at the Republican National Convention—an oversight he sought to remedy on the 9/11 anniversary with a speech praising members of the military.
Romney released the statement after the Cairo embassy attack, AFTER the embassy released their condemnation preaching religious tolerance and blaming the violence on a movie...
Are you trying to say that the Obama Administration's State Department isn't the official statement of the U.S. government? Are you kidding me? Hillary Clinton should resign in disgrace for allowing that condemnation of religious tolerance to be released. Then after the embarrassment, the State Department had the original condemnation removed from the tweet.
Actually the embassy statement was made before the attacks, trying to diffuse the already nearly explosive situation.
The anger was in fact caused by the video. Both the video and the attacks were both examples of religious intolerance.
The fact remains that people are free to make videos stating anything they want.
Religious fanatics killing people from the same country as the video producer cannot be justified, or taught in any religion.
People are going to say bad things about all religions.
Picking people at random to kill in retaliation is terrorism. Plain and simple.
Religious indignity, the mindset of extremist killers.
Romney. he wants to throw gasoline on it all, and expect a solution.
There are pictures showing the people dragging the body.
CICERO....don't you get dizzy with all your SPINNING????
L4L....could you kindly explain it to the resident DODGE and WEAVE SPIN DOCOTOR....cuz he obviously don't get it..... But the embassy's statement had been an effort to head off the violence—not released after the assaults on American diplomatic missions, as Romney's statement suggested.
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
CICERO....don't you get dizzy with all your SPINNING????
L4L....could you kindly explain it to the resident DODGE and WEAVE SPIN DOCOTOR....cuz he obviously don't get it..... But the embassy's statement had been an effort to head off the violence—not released after the assaults on American diplomatic missions, as Romney's statement suggested.
Promising that the guilty parties will be found and will be dealt with was a very sensible measured reaction.
Threatening retaliation or military action would serve no purpose. No government attacked the embassy or the consulate.
They were extremist fundamentalist terrorists that self justify their actions and desires.
In the US we call them the ultra conservative T party.
Romney is so terrified that he would be considered weak, that he has to go off the deep end before the facts are in and before the event is even finished.
I am in favor of conflict avoidance instead of arrogant, chest thumping, war mongering.
The worst part of the killing and dragging of the body is that people lined up to film it, but were afraid to intervene or try to stop senseless religious fanaticism.